The purpose of this on-going project was to investigate the contributions of cover crops and native plant border refuges, integrated with soybean production, to enhance habitat for wildlife, pollinators and a diversity of predatory insects that reduce economic pests in the crop. Key accomplishments include: the establishment of new research cover crop fields near refuges and without refuges nearby, 2) assessment of the response of pest and beneficial insects in soybean production fields to cover crops and border refuges, 3) engagement with stakeholders through outreach/Extension events and digital media, and 4) development of an initial framework for an economic model to address the costs/benefits of cover crop and refuge use in soybean production.

This project provides U.S. soybean farmers with an additional set of sustainable management practices to adopt for conservation and production benefits, adding value to soybeans. Given the concern over declining populations of monarch butterflies and native bees, it is critical that we develop new strategies to support and enhance habitat for pollinators and wildlife in agricultural landscapes without unintentionally increasing pest pressure in production fields.